Halo Wars 2 on Steam: Make it happen, Microsoft

Halo Wars 2 Source: 343 Industries

Back in 2022, Microsoft announced it would release many of its PC-uniform games on Steam likewise as the Windows 10 Store. Since that announcement, the visitor has largely stuck true to this delivery; Gears 5, Sea of Thieves, Land of Decay ii, and many other titles have all made information technology to the Steam storefront.

Unfortunately, Halo Wars 2, a real-time-strategy (RTS) spin-off based inside the Halo universe, has not been so lucky. Despite Microsoft'due south focus on bringing games Windows 10 Store titles to Steam, Halo Wars ii remains tethered to Microsoft'due south service. Hither's why that needs to modify.

Fight for The Ark

Halo Wars ii: Complete Edition

Halo Wars has never been better

Halo Wars 2: Complete Edition offers a staggering amount of quality content at a bully price, giving you lot access to what is, without a doubt, the all-time RTS game on Xbox Alive.

Halo Wars 2 will abound on Steam

Halo Wars 2 Source: Windows Central

At this signal, it isn't a secret that the vast majority of PC gamers prefer to play their games through Steam. It boasts a clean user interface, a fast and snappy customer, and an extensive corporeality of community features — all things that the Windows 10 Shop lacks. While it's true that the shop has improved somewhat over fourth dimension, the fact of the matter is that Microsoft hasn't really done that much to throw off the poor reputation it has within PC gaming circles. As a result of this, about PC players have generally avoided the store and volition continue to exercise so. Halo Wars two simply won't grow if it'south shackled to the Windows 10 Store.

If Halo Wars two was brought to Steam, the chances of it doing well are very high. The upgraded version of the first game, Halo Wars: Definitive Edition, was a pinnacle seller on Steam when it released in 2022. On top of this, Halo: The Master Chief Collection has consistently remained a summit seller ever since 343 Industries started the process of porting the collection to PC. Microsoft'south other games have performed well on Steam likewise. Clearly, Halo Wars 2's audience will abound significantly from a Steam release.

Microsoft can capitalize on a niche

Halo Wars 2 Source: Microsoft

RTS games take been declining in overall popularity on PC always since shooters rose to their dominating position in the multiplayer market. However, just because RTS games aren't every bit pop equally they used to be doesn't hateful that an audition doesn't still exist for them. The reverse is true; enough of RTS fans exist, and many of them are looking for high-quality games to play that aren't Starcraft Two.

This is a niche that Microsoft tin capitalize on with a Halo Wars 2 release on a well-liked, highly-respected service similar Steam. Halo Wars two, as a Microsoft first-party exclusive, sports a level of polish, gameplay multifariousness, and visual quality that RTS fans oasis't been able to feel in a long fourth dimension. How many of the RTS titles on Steam offer a fully fleshed out campaign with Blur Studio'south cutscenes and top-notch visuals, a deep multiplayer that supports both competitive and casual play, and a mode similar Terminus Firefight where players can test their mettle against cutthroat AI for hours on end?

It will build hype for Halo Infinite

Halo Infinite War Chief Escharum Source: 343 Industries

Lastly, a Steam release of Halo Wars two will assistance build hype for Halo Space, the next mainline entry in the Halo franchise releasing in 2022 on Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and both the Windows 10 Store and Steam. Halo Wars 2 acts equally an origin story of sorts for the Banished faction, as in the campaign, you lot learn near where the Banished come from and what they're like every bit you lot battle against them. All signs currently point to the Banished beingness the chief enemy in Halo Infinite equally well, based on the title's official gameplay reveal.

This means that fans on Steam who are waiting to play Halo Infinite could play Halo Wars 2 in gild to get a taste of what the Banished are like and what can exist expected from them when Halo Infinite finally releases. And considering the Banished have been near-universally loved past Halo Wars 2 fans on Xbox One and the Windows 10 Store, it's likely that newcomers on Steam will feel the same way.

Your thoughts

What practise you think? Practice you hold with me that Halo Wars 2 needs to come to Steam? Let me know.

Halo Wars 2 is available on Xbox Ane and Windows ten PCs. The Consummate Edition of the game that includes all the DLC content is normally $60, but right at present, it's on sale on the Microsoft Store for $24.

Fight for The Ark

Halo Wars two: Complete Edition

Halo Wars has never been meliorate

Halo Wars 2: Complete Edition offers a staggering amount of quality content at a great cost, giving you access to what is, without a doubt, the best RTS game on Xbox Live.

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The definitive FromSoftware Souls-like power ranking (now with Elden Ring)

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The definitive FromSoftware Souls-like power ranking (at present with Elden Ring)

FromSoftware has rapidly established itself as one of the world'due south premier activity RPG developers with iconic releases like Elden Ring, Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro, but which of these beloved games is the best of the all-time? Here'south our definitive FromSoftware Souls-like power ranking.